Treatment of Near Infrared Light Therapy for Diabetes

 

The use of infrared light therapy for peripheral neuropathy is not what one would call evidence-based medicine-certainly not if one works for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In an October decision memorandum, CMS ruled that the handful of studies were sufficient to conclude that the therapy was neither reasonable nor necessary for that indication. Most of the studies were retrospective or had other limitations; the single well-designed randomized, controlled trial found no significant benefit.

 

 

An anodyne therapy treatment takes 30 minutes. Four pads are placed on each leg (2 on the calf and 2 on the bottom of the foot). A slight warmth may be felt, especially with concurrent treatments as sensation increases. Along with the anodyne therapy the patient will participate in a physical therapy exercise program. The program will consist of muscle strengthening, balance activities, proprioception training, and neuromuscular re-education. It is recommended to have 12 sessions and then re-evaluate the progress being made. The overall goal is to improve balance and gait thus reducing the risk of falls while also teaching the patient a comprehensive home exercise program.